The World's Best Adventure Cruises

Gone are the days when an excursion meant a gentle potter around a picturesque town centre or a scenic ride on a comfy coach. Nowadays, adventurous and unusual experiences you would never be able to enjoy at home are all part of what makes a cruise holiday so memorable. Here’s a taster of the more 'extreme' excursions on offer.

Explore An Icy Wilderness

On an Antarctic expedition, every excursion is a thrill. Travelling in Zodiacs – rigid inflatable boats – you can get close to icebergs and glaciers, not to mention seals, penguins and whales.

Cruise lines typically include a full itinerary of excursions in the total price, which are accompanied by professional naturalists and geologists, who can offer expert commentary on the wonders you encounter.

Hit The Hot Spots

At the other end of the temperature scale, you can climb to the crater of an active volcano on Nea Kameni, a Greek island in the centre of a caldera. The stunning views over Santorini from the top make the 45-minute walk well worthwhile.

After your descent, you will sail to another tiny island, Palea Kameni, famous for its hot springs, where you can soak your tired feet in water that reaches 37C.

Hop On To A Harley

Always fancied a ride on a Harley-Davidson? Where better to get acquainted with this iconic motorbike than the Caribbean island of St Martin during a holiday with P&O Cruises?

Your guide will lead you across Maho and Mullet Bay to Marigot, the French capital, and Fort Louis. You’ll also take in the countryside along the north coast and the restaurant capital of Grand Case before returning to Philipsburg.

Top Gun Thrills

A flight in a MiG fighter jet over Russia is surely the ultimate excursion when cruising with Crystal Cruises. The adventure begins with a business-class flight from St Petersburg to Moscow for an extensive tour and lunch at the famous Writers’ Club restaurant.

After more sightseeing, you fly to Nizhny Novgorod and, the next day, transfer to Sormovo air base to don flight suit and helmet and climb into the Russian jet. The English-speaking test pilot performs simple manoeuvres while you quote chunks of Top Gun script and try not to pass out – participants must pass a brief physical examination before flying.

Saddle Up For A Safari

Look out for black howler monkeys, iguanas and parrots on an hour-long horse ride in Belize’s tropical rainforest. After your safari there is lots more to do in Bacab Eco Adventure Park: cool off with a swim in a pool, join a naturewalk, visit the butterfly house or simply relax in a hammock.

The excursion from Belize City, offered by Celebrity Cruises, lasts four-and-a-half hours and is far more adventurous than the average horse ride.